American Homicide: S1E31 – The Search for Bethany Correira, Part 1

Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Sloan Glass
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Search for Bethany Correira, Part 1," host Sloan Glass delves into the mysterious disappearance of Bethany Carrera, a 21-year-old university student who vanished in Anchorage, Alaska, shortly after moving into her new apartment. This detailed exploration uncovers the complexities of the investigation, the harsh realities of Anchorage's violent crime rates, and the emergence of key suspects linked to Bethany's disappearance.

Background on Bethany Carrera

Bethany Carrera hailed from the small, close-knit community of Talkeetna, Alaska—a town with a population of just over 800 people in 2003. Known for her adventurous spirit, Bethany enjoyed camping, snowboarding, and sailing. After graduating high school, she undertook a year-long sailing trip through the South Pacific and later served as a Christian missionary in Thailand and Nepal. At 21, seeking to further her education, she moved to Anchorage to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) as a pre-med student.

Quote:
"Bethany was a go-getter who loved camping, snowboarding, and sailing. Adventure was in her blood."
— Sloan Glass [06:33]

The Disappearance

In April 2003, Bethany secured a three-month lease in Bootleggers Cove, a scenic yet transient area of Anchorage known for its proximity to trails and outdoor activities. On the final week of April, shortly after moving in with the help of her boyfriend, Joe, Bethany vanished without a trace. Notably, her apartment showed no signs of forced entry, and her personal belongings, including her cell phone, were left untouched.

Key Event:
Bethany failed to pick up her brother from the airport as planned, raising immediate concerns.

Quote:
"She wasn't at home. She found that Bethany had left her cell phone in her wallet in the apartment. And that immediately made her suspicious."
— Ron McGee [08:25]

Investigation Begins

Ron McGee, the Public Affairs Manager for the Anchorage Police Department, explains the urgency in treating Bethany's case differently from typical missing person reports. Anchorage, with its high violent crime rates—more than double the national average—posed additional challenges to locating Bethany.

Quote:
"Our rate of violence is much higher than the rest of the nation. We've led the nation, for example, in rapes since I can remember."
— Ron McGee [05:55]

The Anchorage PD mobilized nearly 100 volunteers from Talkeetna and Anchorage to search for Bethany, while her family plastered flyers across the city in a desperate bid to find her.

Suspects and Mike Lawson

The investigation took a pivotal turn when detectives focused on the duplex adjacent to Bethany's apartment, which had recently been intentionally set on fire. Initially deemed an electrical accident, further investigation revealed signs of arson, leading police to scrutinize those connected to the building.

Mike Lawson, Bethany's landlord and a contractor working on the building, emerged as a significant suspect. His background raised red flags:

• Criminal History:
  In 1987, Mike was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual assault in Illinois and served three years of a seven-year sentence before relocating to Alaska.

• Behavioral Concerns:
  Mike was amidst his fourth divorce around the time of Bethany's disappearance, displaying evident anger issues towards women.

Quote:
"He's got a lot of problems with women, very violent."
— Ron McGee [31:03]

Further suspicion arose when investigators discovered that five out of seven members of Mike's construction crew were registered sex offenders. Additionally, Mike's alibi for the day Bethany went missing unraveled when phone records contradicted his claims of being at home watching NASCAR.

Breakthrough with Bob Lawson

Face-to-face questioning with Mike's brother, Bob Lawson, led to a crucial breakthrough. Initially dismissive, Bob ultimately accepted a plea deal to cooperate, revealing that Mike had shot and killed Bethany and disclosed the location of her body in a remote gravel pit 400 miles from Anchorage.

Key Event:
Bob led the police to the gravel pit but unsuccessful due to severe winter conditions.

Quote:
"I believe that somebody knows something."
— Mike Lawson [25:16]

Despite following Bob's lead, the search for Bethany's body was halted when four feet of snow impeded progress, and the team had to wait for the snow to melt.

New Twists and Revelations

Unexpectedly, Mike Lawson recanted his confession, accusing his brother Bob of being the actual perpetrator. Offering to wear a wire, Mike's sudden cooperation introduced new complexities into the case, leaving investigators to navigate conflicting testimonies from the Lawson brothers.

Quote:
"If there's anything that could help us find a clue, a lead, a person who might give us more insight, that's always what we try to do."
— Walt Monaghan [37:21]

This dramatic shift set the stage for further investigation, questioning the veracity of both brothers' statements and the credibility of Mike's claims against Bob.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

Part one of "The Search for Bethany Correira" concludes with unresolved tensions between the Lawson brothers and the pressing need for concrete evidence to solve Bethany's disappearance. As the investigation unfolds, listeners are left anticipating part two to uncover the truth behind the conflicting accounts and to determine Bethany Carrera's fate.

Teaser for Part Two:
"Join us next week for part two of the search for Bethany Carrera. I'm Sloane Glass. That's next time on American Homicide."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Our rate of violence is much higher than the rest of the nation. We've led the nation, for example, in rapes since I can remember."
  — Ron McGee [05:55]

• "She wasn't at home. She found that Bethany had left her cell phone in her wallet in the apartment. And that immediately made her suspicious."
  — Ron McGee [08:25]

• "Bethany was a go-getter who loved camping, snowboarding, and sailing. Adventure was in her blood."
  — Sloan Glass [06:33]

• "He's got a lot of problems with women, very violent."
  — Ron McGee [31:03]

• "If there's anything that could help us find a clue, a lead, a person who might give us more insight, that's always what we try to do."
  — Walt Monaghan [37:21]

Final Thoughts

"The Search for Bethany Correira, Part 1" is a compelling exploration of a young woman's disappearance against the backdrop of Anchorage's challenging environment. Through meticulous investigation and the unveiling of dark secrets, Sloan Glass presents a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, setting the stage for the continuation of this true crime saga.

Stay Tuned:
Don’t miss Part 2 of this riveting episode, where the layers of deception continue to unravel, bringing Bethany Carrera’s story closer to resolution.

Note: This episode contains graphic content. Listener discretion is advised.